Justice Minister Kris Faafoi says public consultation will begin soon on the Government's proposed changes to hate speech laws. Photo / Mark MitchellJustice Minister Kris Faafoi says public consultation will begin soon on the Government's proposed changes to hate speech laws. Photo / Mark MitchellDerek Cheng is deputy political editor for the New Zealand HeraldJustice Minister Kris Faafoi says proposals to strengthen hate speech won't criminalise opinions or the "stupid" things people say unless they stir up hatred towards a particular group. Changing hate speech laws was one of Labour's election promises, and the Government wants to extend protections from ethnic or racial groups to include those based on religious belief, sexual orientation, age or disability. A Cabinet paper from December last year looked at moving hate speech offences into the Crimes Act and increasing penalties to up to three years' jail.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 09, 2021 23:48 UTC